The Irwins are coming back to the smallscreen

Robert, Terri and Bindi Irwin have signed a deal with Animal Planet. Picture: Instagram

THE Irwin family are set to make a return to television after signing a deal with US TV channel Animal Planet.

While it's not yet clear exactly what form the new show will take - the studio and the Irwins are said to be discussing a number of different concepts - the show is expected to debut at the start of next year.

"It seemed like a really good time, since we do so many things together as a family," Terri Irwin told Associated Press.

Network boss Patrice Andrews said getting the family back on-air was a chance for the channel to return to its roots.

"Steve was very much the face of our channel," Andrews said. "People even today in focus groups bring up the impact of The Crocodile Hunter."